Hugely Popular Garage Closes After 53 Years

Local Garage Closes After 53 Years Serving the Community

Wootton Bassett⁢ Service Station, a​ beloved mechanic and MOT ⁤service center on‍ Royal Wootton BassettS High Street, has permanently closed its doors after an notable 53 years. ⁢The closure marks the retirement of 75-year-old director Brian Holder, ⁤who dedicated over five decades to serving generations of local customers. Brian Holder’s⁢ journey⁤ with the garage began in ‌1970 as a mechanic. He took over as ⁤director in 2000 and built⁢ a reputation for the station as ⁣one of⁤ the most trustworthy and reliable services in town.⁤ While ⁤wootton Bassett Service⁤ Station itself has closed, Brian’s son, Wayne⁣ Holder, will be carrying⁤ on the family tradition by opening a new garage in⁢ Cricklade. A spokesperson for Wootton Bassett Service station shared the news with customers, stating, “To⁣ all customers past and present, we would like to inform you that as of November 30, 2024, Wootton Bassett service‍ Station will cease trading. This is ⁢due ‍to ⁤the⁣ retirement of ‍Brian Holder after 53 ‍years. We are sad for this chapter to close, however, the ⁢good news is that Wayne will continue on, under the new name​ Wayne Holder Vehicle Service and Repair.” The statement concluded with thanks and​ well wishes for continued support at Wayne’s new ‌venture. Ann, Brian’s wife, who managed the administrative side of the buisness for over 20 years, is also retiring.⁤ She mentioned that the lease was⁢ coming to an end,which may have influenced Brian’s decision. Though, she believes Brian will​ still be ‍involved with Wayne’s new‍ garage for‍ a while, as retirement may​ not come easily⁣ for someone so passionate about‌ their‌ work. Tributes‌ poured in from loyal customers, expressing their gratitude ‍for‌ the ⁣years of honest and⁢ reliable service. One customer remarked, “I wish you happiness but as a customer of 45 years, ‌I’m gutted. You and your team have always​ treated me and my vehicles with courtesy and care.” Another said, “Wootton Bassett Service Station is ‌the best garage⁤ in​ Bassett hands down.It’s a massive loss to the town but a well-earned retirement.”

A Second Recent ⁣Closure Raises Questions

This closure comes shortly after a ‌major Audi dealership‌ in⁣ Bradford, Yorkshire, ⁢announced its sudden shutting down after 15 ⁣years​ of operation. The reason behind the closure remains unclear, leaving⁣ both customers and the community puzzled. Sytner, the company owning⁤ the Bradford Audi dealership, confirmed the news on its ‌website⁤ with ⁣a simple message: “We’re closed. We​ regret to inform you that Bradford Audi has permanently closed. please find out alternative ⁤dealerships listed below.”
According to an article on ABC News from ⁢september ⁢11, 2008,⁣ titled “Media’s Presidential Bias ‍and Decline”, human ⁣beings are biased, and this bias affects‍ the work ⁣they ‍do, including journalism. ​ [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=6099188&page=1)]⁣



The article also ⁢mentions⁢ that the author’s‍ great-grandfather was a newspaper editor, implying​ a ⁣familial connection to the news industry.

## Archyde Interviews: Brian Holder on 53 Years of Service



**Archyde News:** Welcome, Mr. Holder. Thank you for joining us today.



**Brian Holder:** My pleasure.



**Archyde News:** You recently closed Wootton Bassett Service Station after an impressive 53 years – a landmark achievement for any local business. Can you take us back too the beginning?



**Brian Holder:** (chuckles) Well, it all started back in 1970. I was a young mechanic looking for a place to put down roots. Wootton bassett felt like home, and I haven’t regretted it for a minute.



**Archyde News:** You became director in 2000.What where some of the key factors that led you to build such a strong reputation for the station?



**Brian Holder:** I’ve always believed in honest, reliable service and treating customers like family. Building trust with the community was paramount. We weren’t just fixing cars; we were helping people get on with their lives,safely and securely.





**Archyde News:** This closure marks your retirement. how does it feel to see this chapter come to a close?



**Brian Holder:** It’s bittersweet, to be sure. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I’ll miss the daily interactions with our customers and the team.



**Archyde News:** But the legacy lives on, correct? Your son, Wayne, is taking over the torch.



**Brian Holder:** Absolutely! wayne is a gifted mechanic, and I know he’ll continue the family tradition of excellence. The heart of the service station will remain the same.



**Archyde News:** Well, Mr. Holder, thank you for your time and for sharing your story. On behalf of the community, we extend our gratitude for your years of dedicated service.



**Brian Holder: ** the pleasure was all mine. Thank you.[[1](https://www.facebook.com/Spottedinpurton/posts/926252176213756/)]